Garbage
rate increase soughtButch Walker and Marietta Holman of Walco, Inc. were at the June meeting
of the Cottonwood City Council seeking an increase in sanitation rates
for the upcoming fiscal year.
Citing the skyrocketing costs of fuel, which drives the costs of everything
they do, they are seeking a $2.40 per cart increase.
In discussion councilor Jack Duman asked approximately what percentage
of their costs are fuel. Holman said it has to be at least half if not
more.
Jay Hinterlong thought maybe they should have to take a little less
profit rather than always passing it along to the customers. Holman responded
that they have been eating the extra cost of fuel already and wouldnít
see any of the funds from the increase until November. The request sought
is based on a best guess projection of what fuel prices are going to do
in the coming year. She noted it has gone up $1.90 since last year at this
time.
Mayor Denis Duman told them they would take it up in their budgeting
process.
Jerry Richardson appeared with a concern about a sewer main that runs
through his property. He apparently was doing some digging for some landscaping
and wound up damaging the line, which he has since fixed. Mayor Duman said
it is the cityís responsibility to make it right and their likely solution
is to move the line over a couple feet into the alley where it should have
been in the first place. Theyíll likely have to contact other property
owners and take care of moving the whole line rather than just jog it over
past Richardsonís property.
An ordinance was read for the first time dealing with ATVís and UTVís
on city streets. The entire text of the ordinance will appear in next weekís
Chronicle along with a notice for a public hearing likely to be held prior
to the July council meeting.
In essence the ordinance would allow ATVís and UTVís on city streets
only as long as they are licensed, insured and have the proper lights and
mirrors. Licensing would be whatever is required of the particular vehicle
by the state whether it be a plate or a sticker. Currently there is no
city code addressing the issue and state code regarding UTVís is somewhat
ambiguous.
A conditional use permit for Emmett and Cindy Wilson to pasture horses
on a lot they own in a class A zone near the trailer court was discussed.
The council directed city attorney Joe Wright to draw one up with conditions
to mirror whatís allowed in class B zones and also require fence be kept
in good repair and limit it to grazing season.
Joe Didierís RV park came under discussion. According to city code,
a permit is required as well as certain conditions. Mayor Duman said they
need to talk to Didier to get things going to bring things in line with
city code.
A resolution was read and passed which allows the city to recover costs
for all variances, permits, etc. from the parties requesting such items.
In correspondence Mayor Duman presented a letter from Clearwater Economic
Development Association (CEDA) asking for continued support in the North
Central Idaho Telecommunications Consortium. Duman said he is seeing positive
results from this and recommends the city continue their support of $1000.
The council passed a motion to continue support.
In reports Hinterlong said they pumped 3.2 million gallons of water
and sold 2.7 million for a loss of 15.6%. A lot of that is due to same
major leaks that were fixed on Smith St. between King and Lewiston. A lot
more was used during the training fire by the fire department this past
weekend.
He said they are also collecting information on repairing some valves.
There wasnít much to report in the sewer department. Ron Grant said
they are getting things ready for irrigation season.
In the street report Jack Duman said the mag chloride is 80-90% done
although there are some streets that they will be doing over. He said the
next emphasis is potholes. They will try to keep them at last filled with
gravel until the rain lets up and they can repair them.
In the land and buildings report Shelli Schumacher said theyíll be
advertising for the architect for the proposed hall renovation. She said
there has also been some new city park playground equipment ordered.
In the fire department report Grant said there were no city fires in
the past month and 3 rural responses. Two were power pole fires and the
other was a hazmat spill on highway 7. They also had a training fire on
the Ratcliff house that went very well and was great training for the newer
fire crew members. Grant said all went well until they had the fire going
to where it couldnít be put out in any kind of hurry and thatís when the
wind changed.
In the planning and zoning report Schumacher said they discussed the
Wilsonís permit request and also discussed John Magerís request to get
his property description in line with actuality. This was tabled again
as they are still awaiting direction from the Idaho Dept. of Transportation.
The council adjourned to an executive session at 9:05 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, July 14 at 7 p.m.